MESSAGE
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Graduates and Guests,
It is my great joy and privilege to welcome you all to this special award ceremony. Today, we come together to celebrate a significant milestone in the lives of our graduates—an achievement that reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and God’s faithful guidance. To our graduates, congratulations! You have reached an important academic goal, and we could not be prouder of all that you have accomplished. This is more than just the completion of a programme or the attainment of a degree—it is a testament to your resilience, growth, and calling.
As we celebrate you today, we must also express heartfelt gratitude to those who have walked alongside you on this journey. To the lecturers, staff, mentors, family members, friends, and fellow students—thank you. Your support, encouragement, and prayers have made a profound difference. And above all, we give thanks to God for His leading hand in every step of the way. Today is not only a time to look back and rejoice but also to look ahead. As you step into ministry, continue your studies, or follow God’s calling in other meaningful ways, may the Lord continue to guide you. May He shape your path and deepen your commitment to serve with humility, courage, and love.
You have each made a valuable contribution during your time at Newbold. Through your presence, your questions, your service, and your fellowship, you have left an imprint on this community. And through your journey here, you have learned not only in the classroom but in community—about faith, about mission, and about yourself. Whether your next steps take you into pastoral ministry, further academic pursuit, or new opportunities to serve, may you go forward with confidence. Be affirmed in the conviction that God has called you for such a time as this—to make Him known in a world too often torn by misinformation, hate, and selfishness. Your voice, your witness, and your presence matter.
As you go, may the Lord lead you and may your life continue to reflect the hope, truth, and love of Christ wherever you are called to serve.
Congratulations once again!
Dr Dan Serb
PRINCIPAL
ABOUT NEWBOLD COLLEGE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
In 2026, Newbold College of Higher Education will celebrate 125 years of service in Christian education. Throughout its history, Newbold has remained committed to holistic learning that supports the physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual growth of its students.
While the College now uses a synchronous hybrid model of learning, the on-campus experience remains central. Here, students enjoy direct access to educational, spiritual and social engagement. Our personalised, interactive teaching approach and dedicated staff create a transformative learning environment that extends beyond the classroom.
Alumni often speak of the lasting impact of their time at Newbold, especially the strength of our close-knit community. Within this supportive setting, students and staff build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and prepare for lives of ministry and service in its broadest sense.
We now look ahead, offering specialised undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, validated by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. New additions include a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programme with the Adventist Chaplaincy Institute and the reintroduced One Year in Mission and Service.
Current initiatives include the development of an e-Learning platform, the repackaging of existing programmes to support the ongoing development of pastors, church leaders and members alike, and the introduction of several new offerings.
ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKER
Dr Boubarak Sanou
Boubakar Sanou, a native of Burkina Faso, serves as Associate Professor of Mission and Intercultural Leadership and Chair of the Department of World Mission at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University.
He holds degrees from Andrews University (BA, 1999; DMin, 2010; PhD, 2015; PostDoctoral Certificate in Intercultural Leadership, 2021) and from Newbold College (MA, 2005). Before joining Andrews University, he held various roles in pastoral ministry.
His research centres on the impact of culture on leadership behaviour and its implications for Christian witness.
AWARDS CEREMONY
Processional
Welcome and Introduction
Ms Serena Santona, Academic Registrar Invocation
Pr Douglas McCormac, Senior Pastor, Newbold Church
Principal’s Remarks
Dr Stephen Currow, Former Principal
Introduction of New Principal
Dr Daniel Duda, Chair, Board of Governors
Greetings from the Mayor
Councillor Janet Cochrane, The Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest
Presentation of the Graduating Students
Dr Dan Serb, Principal
Dr Daniel Duda, Chair of Governing Body
Ms Serena Santona, Academic Registrar
Dr Laszlo Gallusz, Head of Centre for Ministry and Mission
Posthumous Award
Charge of the Graduating Students
Dr Kayle de Waal, Governor/TED Education Director
Student Response
Alexandre Oriheula Ghiorzi, Graduate
Community Service Awards
Pr Danilo Puskas, Head of Student Life/Chaplain
Introduction of Guest Speaker
Dr Stephen Currow, Former Principal
Address to the Graduating Students
Dr Boubakar Sanou, Chair, Department of World Mission, Andrews University
Musical Item Legacy Hymn Be Thou My Vision
Collection- Student Hardship Fund
Karuma Piniel, Graduate
Alumni Welcome
Dr Lubica Mueller, Head, Marketing & Communications
Benediction
Dr Dan Serb, Principal
Recessional
UNIVERSITY OF WALES
TRINITY SAINT DAVID
in partnership with Newbold College of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Chali Mumba (2024)
Diploma of Higher Education
Randolph Reyes
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Biblical and Pastoral Studies
Don Chihwayi
João Guilherme Ferreira Herculano
Yui Hanada
John-Michael David Ventus Lucas
William Alexander Middleditch
Mia-Mercedes Orgla (1st)
Mikael Jonathan Takamaa
André Vieira da Silva
Graduate Diploma in Biblical and Pastoral Studies
Karli Alyn Fredrickson (2024)
Rico Gauzon (2024)
Rohail John (2024)
Anderson Prince Edison
Mylene Eilander
Joe Martti Ketton (Merit)
Maris Kraulins (Merit)
Marvellous Anywhere Muchada
Karolina Mabinty Poland (Distinction)
Heavenest St Cyr (Merit)
Master of Arts in Theology
Wilson Lagos (2024)
Ashriah Akakpo (Merit)
Martynas Baltiejus
Samuel Betasone
Edward Boampong
Baraka Butoke
Rodrigo Cerencovich
Nathaniel Frimpong-Manso
Camilla Maria Gustafsson (Distinction)
Saw Hsathoolei Hser Hsertawbu (Merit)
Manami Inada (Distinction)
Piniel Karuma
Gerrit Willem Laarman
Marco Jonas Diagmel Lapuz (Merit)
James McMahon (Distinction)
Ethan Mpozempizi
Sophia Nicholls (Merit)
Ronnie Oddane (Distinction)
Alexandre Oriheula Ghiorzi (Merit)
Hellen Pinela Diaz (Merit)
Daniel Quiles dos Santos
Ioannis Samaras (Distinction)
Tiago Santos Pereira
Andrija Stanojević (Merit)
Postgraduate Certificate in Mission
Ashriah Akakpo (Merit)
Steven George (Merit)
Camilla Maria Gustafsson (Distinction)
Saw Hsathoolei Hser Hsertawbu
Manami Inada
Piniel Karuma (Merit)
Ethan Mpozempizi (Merit)
Sophia Nicholls
Alexandre Oriheula Ghiorzi (Distinction)
Hellen Pinela Diaz
Daniel Quiles dos Santos
Andrija Stanojević
Stanley Teixeira (Merit)
Postgraduate Certificate in Theology
Oleg Khomiak
Postgraduate Diploma in Theology
Forrest Douglas (Merit)
Posthumous Award
Marica Mirilov (Merit)
STUDENT HARDSHIP FUND
At Newbold, we understand the importance of financial support through scholarships, especially when unexpected events impact students’ financial lives.
That is why we are committed to helping students who find themselves facing financial difficulties.
Today, we invite you to be part of maintaining the College’s Student Hardship Fund. Your contribution will directly assist students in need, enabling them to overcome financial obstacles and achieve their educational goals at Newbold College.
To donate, simply scan the QR code provided and make a difference in a student’s life.
If you didn’t come prepared, don’t worry! Our finance office is here to help you contribute to this meaningful fund. Join us in empowering students and shaping their educational future
WELCOME TO YOUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY
As you graduate and begin this exciting new chapter as a Newbold alumna or alumnus, we want to honour your achievements and welcome you to our global alumni community.
As a valued member of the Newbold alumni family, you are part of a vibrant, worldwide network. There are many ways to stay connected—share your journey and experiences with prospective students, collaborate on events and conferences, create mentoring opportunities, engage in lifelong learning, and act as a proud Newbold ambassador.
We invite you to stay in touch and explore engagement opportunities through:
Welcome to this exciting new phase—we look forward to walking it with you.
Newbold College Staff
SPECIAL THANKS
Special thanks to Edit Laszlone Liebhardt for the beautiful flower arrangements; to Asun Olivan, the official photographer; Our Head Chef and Food Services staff for the refreshments; to all the musicians; and to those who have worked so hard behind the scenes.
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